"STOP!" A voice cut in like a hot knife through the air.
Suddenly a large one eyed elephant like persona appeared between both combatants. Instantly the persona absorbed both attacks that Yu and Joker had been aiming at each other. Taking them without any difficulty before suddenly reflecting them back at their owners. Joker didn't have time to dodge as his gun skill was knocked back at him caused him to fly back and way from both the reflecting persona and Yu. He was thrown back hitting the ground a bit harder than was probably best for a guy that had gotten himself beat up not more than two days ago. Renewed pain surged through Joker as he let himself just lay against the cold ground of Mementos.
From his spot on the floor, Joker could see Justine had her hand out towards Girimehkala as the elephant persona looked between both Yu and Joker. As the battle was now settled, Justine pulled her hand back and the persona faded from the battle field its job done for the moment. Joker had to wonder why Justine had stepped in that particular moment but then again he had been half a second from possibly being sliced in two by Yu's katana.
"Enough!" Caroline called out stepping in between the two combatants. "We've seen enough. Justine?"
"Both wild cards are indeed powerful, maybe one day I would like to test their power against us but for now this will suffice. I will now take your friend's memories and it will be as it was a few minutes ago before this fight." Justine explained before a blinding light erupted from her clip board.
Joker stood before Yu as everything was suddenly back how it was before. The damage Mementos had sustained from their attacks vanished and their friends were calmly chatting between each other. They had been saying things during the fight but Joker had been more focused on the battle that he had gotten none of it. Along with Mementos being repaired all the injuries he had sustained during the battle were all but a distant memory. Something that pleased Joker's no longer aching side. Yu was the first to make a move as he extended his hand out for Joker to shake.
"Good fight." Yu commented.
Joker nodded taking Yu's hand, having a new found respect for the man he had fought. "Agreed."
Joker could instantly feel a bond form between him and Yu. It was the kind of bond that would help him progress in his 'rehabilitation'. It was only a basics of a bond but Joker knew that this one was going to be just as powerful as the rest of his confidants if he just was willing to let it mature a bit.
"World arcana... Huh, you are indeed interesting Wild Card. Inmate make sure to keep striving forward so you don't disappoint our master. Now there anything else you need?" Justine asked.
"I'm good." Joker replied.
"Don't go slacking off on us Inmate." Caroline called before the twins returned to their normal spot next to the blue jail cell.
Joker slipped his hands into the pockets of his coat before he stepped up to his fellow thieves. "Everyone ready?"
Mona glanced over at the other group, there was a bit of unease in his voice. "We still got to fix the issue that my van is too small to fit all of us in less you want to split the groups."
Joker paused thinking for a few seconds, his eyes shifting over to Queen. "How fast to do you think you can go on Johanna? Fast enough to keep up with Mona?"
Queen glanced at Mona. "Yeah I probably could but I'd be worried if the group split up because we got attacked by a shadow."
"Hopefully with two navigators we should be able to keep track of one another." Yu informed them. "I don't think it'd be that big of an issue."
Speaking of navigators, Joker looked to his navigator. "How about you Oracle, think you could keep up?"
"No problem!" Oracle announced with a wide grin as if she was looking forward to what was happening.
"That's two, if I rearrange myself we are still one over max." Mona groaned.
"That's fine I'll give up my spot." Joker smirked. "Let's get this show on the road."
Joker pulled at his red gloves as he walked up to Yu ready to explain how this all was going to work. From the quick glance Joker gave the group, Yu's people looked ready and willing to brave Mementos. Eager in fact. They would be hitting Aiyatsbus to get Yu group up to speed about mementos before braving deeper. No doubt since Sae palace had been 'cleared' there could possibly be a new level down there. The phantom thieves had never experienced a growth of this many people before, and it was interesting how that was going to play out. If this whole situation was to be believed the group got not only fighters but veteran fighters of this world.
"Are you guys ready?" Skull called towards the other group cracking his knuckles.
"Yeah, It's been a while but I'm sure it's like riding a bike right?" Yosuke was clearly trying to sound optimistic.
"We'll be fine," Yu calm voice assured his friends.
"Yeah we got the phantom thieves but geez this place his huge! It's like several cognitive palaces stacked right on top of each other." Rise let her persona fade as she looked over the group.
"Wait! Don't these guys need codenames too?" Panther suddenly asked. "I mean they don't have costumes like we do... But they are still part of our group now right?"
"Yeah, I agree with Panther here. They need to remain as anonymous as us, even more so considering one of them is an idol. We don't know if we might run into Akechi at any time. Joker what are your thoughts?" Queen turned to look at Joker.
Joker looked over Yu's group before he gave his nod of approval. "I agree, let's do it."
"So how does this giving codename thing work?" Yosuke asked looking over the teenagers.
Mona folded his arms and stared at the group as Ryuji unknowingly mirrored his movement. Joker could see they were both thinking. As the oldest group members they had been through the most code name determinations. Joker slid his hands into his pockets and gave the group of adults a more passive look. There was only one thing that sprung to mind as far as codenames go, and that was directed at the group's old leader, Yu.
"Narukami will be Kingpin." Joker announced to the rest of this thieves.
"Kingpin? Yeah, I see it." Skull nodded. "I second that."
Yosuke suddenly snickered. "Sister Complex Kingpin of Steel..."
"I don't want to hear it Captain Resentment." Yu countered quickly, his gaze was edged with a glare.
"Can we please not use our Arena names? Mine, would very much give away who I am…" Naoto sighed.
"Arena names? What are arena names?" Panther was the first to ask.
Yu group each gave each other a look as if there was something uneasy about answering that particular question. It was Naoto that spoke up first. "That's a long story for another time, so let's focus on the current task. May I suggest our Codename have nothing to do with our professions or hint at who we are?"
"Yeah, the point of a code name would be lost if they gave you away so easily. Princess for Rise sounds about right." Panther glanced towards the others as if looking for conformation.
"Princess works for me." Rise gave a nod as her smile seemed to hint she approved of the name.
"Oh, oh, oh, me NEXT!" Teddie bounced around as he flailed his arms. "I wanna be KUMA!"
Yosuke ran his hand down his face. "So you just want to be a bear?"
"Yep! I mean it's a name that is both ferocious and cute at the same time! I am a scary bear but I am also super cuddly!" Teddie grinned.
"His bear costume can act as his phantom thief attire so by naming him Kuma it would fit with our naming scheme." Mona informed the rest of the group.
"So that just leaves Hanamura-sand Shirogane-san." Queen said looking towards the two adults.
Joker glanced towards the two adults in question. Naoto put her hand on her chin seeming to think. Joker gaze lingered on them for a minute or two longer but nothing seemed to snap to mind as far as code names go. He didn't know Yosuke or Naoto well enough yet. That was something he was planning on changing but for now, besides their basic introductions he didn't really know them. Around him the rest of the phantom thieves seemed to be pondering as well.
"Naoto should be Agent and Yosuke should be Deputy." Yu voice broke through the pondering of everyone else. "Agent fits Naoto, and Yosuke you've always been my right hand man."
Yosuke perked up throwing a lazy punch in Yu's direction. "Deputy makes it sound like I'm less than ya partner."
Yu caught the obviously broadcasted fist in his hand. "You are only less if you believe you are. But I was thinking of Partner but I'd get jealous if other people called you partner." There was a smirk that split at the corners of Yu's lips.
Yosuke drew back rubbing his goatee. "You'd be jealous? I didn't think you where the jealous type."
There was a glint in Yu's eye Joker suddenly caught. The way Yosuke and Yu talked it was clear there was a deep bond between them. Two old best friends that knew each other inside out. To be honest, it was a bit fascinating to Joker. He had tons of friends now, but the bond between Yu and Yosuke was far deeper than anything he currently had with any of his friends. He wanted a bond like that, something that deep and true.
"What can I say? I want you all to myself…" Yu suddenly kept a straight face as he spoke there was however an intensity to his gaze.
Yosuke roll his eyes. "Do you really have to put it that way? You're going to creep out the kids and make them wonder about our relationship." Yosuke looked at the group in general. "Just so we're clear, we both have girlfriends."
"Yosuke are you going to deny the special bond we have?" Yu asked folding his arms across his chest. He looked hurt… Almost.
Yosuke looked as if he was going to retort something before Naoto spoke. "Enough you two…" Naoto professional tone cut through both of them. "I know where this is going and we don't have time for it. Agent is a fine code name for me. And Yosuke you'll be Deputy."
"Killjoy…" Yu muttered in a good natured tone to Naoto, which earned him a sharp look from the other detective.
"Fine, Deputy it is…" Yosuke shrugged sounded almost indifferent to the codename.
So that settled that, Yu's group had official codenames that followed the unwritten guidelines of the phantom thieves. This was it. Yu group was part of the phantom thieves. If that was going to be a blessing or a curse only the future could tell, but Joker felt a bit of excitement bubble up in his gut at the idea. He had just fought Yu and now it was time to see what his friends where capable of.
"Alright. Narukami-san is now Kingpin, Teddie-san is now Kuma, Rise-san is Princess, Hanamura-san is Deputy, Lastly Shirogane-san is Agent" Queen announced once every ones nick names had been decided.
"Welcome to the Phantom Thieves!" Skull grinned from ear to ear. "Everything is official now!"
"Yes, now that everything is ready shall we proceed?" Noir asked politely.
"Already ahead of you Noir!" Mona leapt up into the air and transformed into a large bus. "All aboard!"
"WOAH! te… err Kuma why couldn't you do anything like?" Yosuke looked at Teddie as he asked.
"Its bearly bearlievable Mona can do that in the first place!" Teddie exclaimed clearly amazed by Mona's change.
"Apparently it's in the collective conscious of the masses here honestly believe Cat that can turn into buses." Mona informed them as the phantom thieves loaded on to the bus.
"Joker or I normally drive. Kingpin can one of your group take over that task? Charge Johanna!" Queen reached up to her mask summoning her persona. It responded as the motorcycle appeared next to her in a blaze of blue flame.
"I got it," Naoto announced before anyone else could take over and slipping into the driver seat.
"Is that a motorcycle?" Yosuke asked looking at Johanna.
"Yeah, my persona is a motorcycle." Queen answered as she got aboard the motorcycle. Johanna responded by revving up loudly, seemingly eager to go.
"Huh, I don't prefer that style but I own a Goldwing touring" Yosuke explained as he got into the bus with everyone else.
"Really? You'll have to tell me about later Deputy." Queen called.
"Sure." Yosuke nodded.
"Mona I take it you drive like any other vehicle?" Naoto asked.
"I believe so." Came Mona voice from no were in particular.
"Queen, me and you will take point. Agent follow our lead. Oracle watch our backs." Joker called loud enough for everyone to hear.
Reaching up to his mask Joker cycled through his personas before he stopped on one of his more powerful ones. Queen revved Johanna to single she was ready to head out before she looked over her shoulder at the beast Joker summoned. Joker called out to his persona to come forth from his soul. Instantly the large black dragon known as Seth appeared before him. This dragon would be Joker's steed for the day as it got ready to take to the sky. The leader of the Phantom thieves mounted his persona as it unfurled its large black wing and took to the sky with Joker on board. Queen seemed to smirk at Joker's choice before she tore off towards the entrance of Mementos. The dark dragon growled under Joker before chasing after the motorcycle.
"Buckle up everyone." Yu announced to those in the bus as he put on his seat belt.
"Why..?" Skull question but quickly they all found out why.
Naoto revved the bus's engine getting a feel for the bus's power before throwing the vehicle into gear and taking off with a classic launch. Spinning the tires for half a heartbeat before the van found traction and speed off in the direction of the motorcycle and the dragon. The UFO zoomed after everyone taking up the rear. Almost everyone wasn't expecting the sudden power Naoto brought to the wheel and most of the phantom thieves were blasted back as the bus lurched forwards. Except for Yu's group who looked very calm as Naoto moved to catch up to the other two persona users.
"Whoa! I didn't know I could go this fast!" Mona called out.
"You're front wheel drive, not built for speed, and loaded down with a lot of weight. Lower gear and higher RPM is the only way we can catch up." Naoto stated in matter of fact tone.
"Agent is trained in advanced driving techniques, in case we ever need to use it on the job." Yu informed the rest of the group.
"And that is also why Agent always drives…" Yosuke stated in a bland tone.
"Something tells me you and Queen will get along great Agent." Noir cheerfully added.
"First shadow coming up around the next corner!" Oracle announced from her Persona. "Let's let see what you guys got!"
Naoto pulled around the corner as both Joker and Queen stopped. Joker's eye widened as Naoto sped the bus past him and Queen straight at the Shadow. For a heartbeat or two it looked as if Naoto was going to crash the bus straight into the shadow. It was only at the last possible second did she spin the bus around, whipping out the back end and crashing it directly into the shadow. The force from the move sent the shadow into the nearest wall of Memento but completely stopped the bus. The shadow melted away into a group of 5 slimes all looking worse for wear after the crash. Joker could only glance towards Queen who looked both amazed and shocked at the same moment.
As soon as the bus stopped, Yu and Naoto both swiftly got out with Teddie and Yosuke either only a second or two behind them. Rise was the last to get out as her Persona appeared behind her. Yu gave a silent hand signal and just like that the slimes whom were already downed from the crash were surrounded by Yu's group. The tactful nature and the silent commands really instantly proved Yu's leadership ability to Joker. It was at that moment that the teenage leader almost felt bad for the slimes as they had no clue what was about to happen to them. There was a poof as Mora when from bus to cat, looking just as dazed as the slimes.
"Should we show 'em who's boss?!" Yosuke called to Yu.
"Of Course!" Yu responded.
"It's Showtime!" Rise called to them as her persona gifted them increased damage for the upcoming slaughter.
It had been over the second Oracle mentioned there was a shadow. There was no way that it was anything less than a complete massacre as Yu's group descended upon the enemy shadows like wild unyielding tsunami against a very poorly constructed building. No persona were used and even with the slimes strong defense against physical attacks it was no match for Yu's group overwhelming might. They were destroyed and for the first time Joker was extremely pleased Yu was on his side. He wasn't quite sure what he would of done should these new comer ended up being his enemies.
"Like riding a bike, eh Partner?" Yosuke turned to Yu as he rolled his shoulder, a large grin spreading across his face.
"Yeah, got to show the kids how it's done." Yu turned to look directly at Joker as he said that.
"That was bearly a challenge!" Teddie huffed as he folded his arms.
Joker slipped his hands into the pockets of his jacket and closed the distance between them and the now victorious group of adults. Queen foots steps echoed just a second or two behind him as he approached. Mona was looking down for the count as Skull sat over him poking the side of his head; Noir and Panther just hovering over Skull's shoulder looking down at their teammate with worried looks. Naoto's maneuver was effective no doubt, but it would appear the move was without draw backs, still instantly downing a group of enemies that effectively then just as quickly pressing the advantage before the enemies had a time to regroup? That was impressive.
"Good job, apparently there will be no need for a warm up with you guys." Queen sighed as she glanced over to Mona.
"Sorry about that. I was curious how such a maneuver would work in this world." Naoto explained with a long bow.
Mona gave a low groan before he started slowly regained himself, swatting at Skull as he got to his feet. "That was… AWESOME!"
The blank stare everyone gave Mona said everything that needed to be said.
"Agent I've never been handled like that. It was… INVIGORATING! The speed! The precision!" Mona jumped up transferring back into his bus self. "I'm running on all cylinders now!"
"Are you sure you are okay Mona?" Noir asked the concerned written all over her words.
"Yep! Let's go Agent, I think I can get the hang of that move! After all why won't you guys want a slick move like that that instantly gives us the advantage. It's a totally a stylish way to attack our enemies!" Mona excitement dripped from every word he spoke.
A tinkle appeared in Naoto's eyes. "Alright Mona, I'll give it my best!"
The group loaded up again, this time their aim was far deeper into Mementos. The battle to get there was surprisingly smooth. With two Navigators and 11 stronger persona users the battles become more of a walk in the park then an actual challenge. Soon they passed Adyeshach clearing 2 requests within its depths before heading even deeper to Sheriruth. Joker kept shuffling the groups after every battle, letting everyone get a feel for each other's strengths and how they melded together as a group. Yu group was really up to the challenge and well they had more experiences they didn't always outshine their peers. Yu was the powerhouse of the group by far, able to command multiple powerful persona with ease and precision Joker wasn't sure he could match. Joker could easily recognize Yu's leadership abilities but just as smoothly as he could lead, he would allow Joker to take the helm and slip into the role of advisor. There was no confusion in the ranks as Yu's friends easily accepted Joker's leadership.
Sitting in the rest area for Sheriruth, Joker took a deep breath and looked over the groups. Everyone had fought hard to get down here but was far from out of the battle. Pleasant conversation sprung up around him as everyone took a short break before diving deeper into Mementos. It was nice to see everyone getting along so well. Joker leaned against the door way just listening to the groups chat as he collected his own thoughts. There had to be only a few more floors before they reached the end, and he had to wonder if they would find another door or something more.
Mona now that he knew about Teddie's backstory wasn't as eager to reach the end. That dream of behind human just wasn't driving him forward. The cat seemed to now cling to a new dream that maybe if he trained hard like the mascot bear had done then he would somehow gain a human body. Because of this Mona was far too ready to push himself to the limits. Joker didn't think this was the best thing, but to try and talk the cat out of it wasn't something Joker could do at that moment. Mona would just have to push himself and either it worked out for him or it didn't; everyone would be there for him in the end no matter the outcome.
Joker was cut from his pondering as Yu grabbed his shoulder. Joker looked up at the older man and instantly recognized the concerned look that appeared on his face. With a silent motion of his head Yu motioned Joker over to the stair well that separated this rest area from the floor below. It was then that Joker heard it, echo of rattling of chains that send a cool chill down his spine. There was something powerful roaming the next floor, something unavoidable.
"What do you want to do?" Yu asked an eyebrow cocked slightly.
"I'm not sure, we normally run as soon as we hear that noise." Joker explained.
Yu tensed up slightly. "A wise decision…"
Joker pulls at his gloves as he stared down the dark void that lead to the next floor. "Have you faced one of those things?"
Yu didn't say anything for a long moment as if he was held in a memory, his fist slightly balled. "A story for another time..." Yu almost sounded reminiscent as his words reached Joker's ears.
"Very well then," Joker turned and headed back to the rest of the group. "We got a Reaper on the next level. We got far today let's call it." Joker announced to the rest of the group.
"WHAT? Seriously?!" Oracle suddenly put her hand to her visor. "Geez, your right…" Oracle gave a frustrated noise before sighing.
"A reaper!?" Rise tone suddenly had a panicked edge to it.
"Wait a minute… Where'd Kingpin go..?" Yosuke got to his feet, his panic mirroring Rise's tone.
Joker gave them both a confused look. "He was right..." Joker motioned behind him towards the downwards stair he had left Yu but the man was gone.
"!"
Naoto was instantly on her feet, gun drawn. "Not good." Without another word Naoto rushed past Joker headed straight to the inky void the lead downstairs.
Swiftly the members of the investigation team rose to their feet and all rushed behind Naoto as the rest of the phantom thieve watched. Each one without hesitation plunged downstairs without as much as another word. The thieves stood there in shock, all knowing the danger that the investigation team just threw themselves in. But in that moment paralyzed to do anything more than stare at each other. It took what seemed like several minutes before each of the thieves turned towards Joker expectantly. Joker instantly knew they were looking to him for leadership.
"We are going!" Joker voice was clear as he turned, his coat blowing up around him with the sudden action.
"Right!" Everyone echoed as they all pressed forward down that dark staircase.
Joker instantly realized something was off as they entered the next level. It seemed as if a gloom had settled here in this level. A deep depressing feeling that threatened to engulf you if you didn't keep moving. So Joker kept moving, glancing behind him to check on his team as they no doubt felt that oppressive feeling too. Something was just wrong with this level and it was no wonder why the reaper could be heard echoing the halls of this floor.
The investigation team was nowhere to be seen as they stepped off the platform and onto the tracks of mementos. Though not seen, the rattling of chains was no doubt their destination to where they were heading. Joker could just feel it. Still he spun around to lock eyes on Oracle who seemed to instantly understand his unasked question. Necronomicon appeared calling Oracle to it with its eerie tentacles as the rest of the group pressed forwards towards the sounds of chains.
"I'm getting some weird reading… Geez what the heck is going on! These weren't here a second ago… Hang on everyone." Oracle frustration rang clear as day as the UFO zoomed beside them.
"Can you tell us anything Oracle?" Queen calm interjection was like a breath of fresh air in this hostile maze.
"Yeah… but not much. It's like I'm being jammed actively. They should be up ahead. I think… Turn right here!" Came the navigator's call.
Joker rounded the corner. Instantly the all-encompassing dread he had felt sense he stepped foot here felt like a long forgotten memory in the face of the sudden sheer terror that stood before him. Admittedly, Joker had never before set eyes on the beast known as the reaper, it was also a bad feeling or the sounds of chains in the distance to him. He was wise enough to know this wasn't a foe he wanted to face head on but now as he laid eyes upon it, it was clear his instincts had been correct the whole time. The monster stood far taller than him, holding two revolvers and encircled by chains, a single eye focused instantly on Joker.
Dread…
The reaper moved towards him, and Joker felt locked in place. As if the creature's single eyed glare had pinned him to the ground. A deep laugh filled the air, the chuckle of a mad man. Joker body moved on its own as it readied itself for attack as the monster raised one of its long barreled revolver's in his direction. Joker was going to die….
"YOU BASTARD!" The words roared out like a war cry instantly shaking Joker from his fear induced stupor.
The reaper roared from pain as a katana ripped across its back. Spinning around the monster locked onto Yu, bring down its gun to knock the challenger away; like one would a fly. But Yu was ready for the assault and brought up his katana to meet the barrel and with a quick flick deflected the blow upwards. The move instantly countered the attack opening the reaper up for the next second slash deep into the monster's arm.
Joker blinked and glanced at his friends that surrounded him. Clearly he hadn't been the only one that had become paralyzed by the reaper. Everyone was quickly shaking off the fear and returning to stand with a far firmer resolve then they had just a few seconds before. Joker took a deep breath before reaching for his gun and leveling it on the monster. They needed to get into this fight.
"Let's blow this thing away." Came the rallying cry from the leader of the phantom thieves.
"Heck Yeah!" Skull responded stepping up to his best friend and pumping his shotgun.
"This thing ain't so scary!" Mona announced stepping up to Joker's left, slingshot at the ready.
"Speak for yourself but let do this!" Panther came up to Skull's side leveling off her submachine gun.
"Ah the battle against an overwhelming evil. I'm feeling inspired!" Fox smirked as he joined Mora shouldering his assault rifle.
"I won't let this thing defeat us!" Queen's voice had a refreshed resolve in it as she moved next to fox and pulled out her revolver.
"Well then, I guess we have to show this thing we mean business." Noir calm voice held an almost gleeful tone as she brought up her grenade launcher and joined the phantom thieves' firing line.
"Kingpin watch out!" Oracle broadcasted to the reaper's solo melee fighter as Necronomicon hovered above the firing squad sending out a series of buffs as it floated there.
Yu glanced towards the row of assembled teenagers. This split second of distracted attention the reaper capitalized on and Yu was barely able to dodging bullet fired from one of the monster's guns. The older man seemed to instantly realize what was happening and darted directly towards Joker and his crew. He needed to get out of the line of fire as quickly as possible. The Reaper was on him in a heartbeat, aggroed and moved to follow its prey with single minded blood lust. Yu was counting on that and as he charged towards the firing squad he made sure to make eye contact with Joker for a split second. Joker gave a nod of confirmation to Yu as he darted between him and Skull; his finger tightening on the trigger of his pistol.
"FIRE!"
An explosion of gunfire rocked Mementos as the thieves unleashed their firearms upon the reaper. No one let up until each gun gave the signature click of an empty magazine and a spent firearm. The sheer assault of bullets kicked up a great cloud of dust and gun smoke that was no doubt aggravated by the explosions from Noir's grenade launcher. As Joker lowered his pistol a solemn silence enveloped the battlefield along with the pungent smell of gunpowder.
BANG!
The new sound of gunfire was the only warning before a massive fireball roared from the dust cloud and at the thieves' line. There was no time to dodge but before the fire fully enveloped him, Seth's ghostly formed appeared before him sending the fireball straight back at the sender. Still because of that most of his friends were charred but not burned to a crisp by the sudden explosion of flame. Except Yusuke's whose affinity to ice definitely got him knocked back. As the fireball cleared the air, the Reaper hovered above the destruction a bit ragged and burned but still very much alive.
"Me kill you now!" The Reaper garbled as it swung his long barreled pistols to the air to fire again.
Yu stepped up next to Joker, his eyes leveled off against the demon before him. Joker saw the fury in the older man's eyes. For the most part Yu presented himself as a very calm person, and seemed like the type that nothing phased him. But boiling in those dark grey eyes was pure rage. Yu reached out crushing an arcana card as Izanagi-no-Okami burst forward and directly at the reaper before it. The reaper could only bring up its guns to parry Izanagi's sword and the two entered a deadly sword lock. Yu clenched his jaw, clearly in some amount of pain. For seemed to take some strong amount of spiritual power to keep the Reaper at bay.
Joker wasn't about to let the opening Yu was creating go to waste. Switching to his dagger he prepared to enter melee combat but at that second a large saber burst from the Reaper's chest. It was quickly followed by 2 saw blades digging into the monster's side and a large explosion appearing at the reaper's back. The monster gave a howl of pain; swiftly swinging around to face its new challengers but that was its last mistake. Izanagi raised its double bladed sword and like some shogun executing a criminal, the reaper was beheaded in one swift strike. The shadow faded as Kamui-Moshiri, Yamato Sumeragi, and Takehaya Susano-o came into view, shadowing their user by their massive forms.
Like rain cleansing a scorched land. The death of the reaper seemed to ease the ominous feeling that had enveloped the floor. Slowly it faded leaving a more normal memento level in its wake. Almost all personas faded away as Naoto, Yosuke, Teddie and Rise approached from the far end of what was once the battlefield. Izanagi stayed however hovering in the air frozen in the strike that had beheaded the reaper. Yu like the persona was also frozen, the raged drained and just standing there in some sort of haze.
"We did it?" Skull asked as the event seemed almost too surreal.
"Yeah I guess we can call it a win." Mona responded almost depressingly.
"I don't wish to do that again, even if the battle had an elegance about it..." Fox added with a flourish of his hand after he returned to his feet.
"Hey Kingpin, you okay?" Panther asked drawing everyone attention to the shocked adult.
Joker was about to reach out to Yu before the action was cut short as a fist collided with Yu face sending the dazed man flying back. Izanagi instantly faded as Yosuke stood over his best friend, a judging look in his eyes. Teddie was the only one that looked even remotely as shocked as the teenagers. Rise had a sad expression on her face as Naoto just adopted one of impassiveness. Yu hissed slightly at the pain as he rubbed his jaw but wasn't really looking at anyone in particular.
"Still get the nightmares huh?" Yosuke asked reaching down to help his best friend to his feet. "Still, it ain't an excuse…"
Yu sighed before reaching up and accepting his friends offer to get to his feet. As soon as Yu was back on his feet, Yosuke folded his arms across his chest. Yu shook his head glancing at the faces that both gave him sympathetic looks that were mixed with confusion. There was definitely things that needed to be said, but now wasn't the time. Turning to his best friend, Yu straightened up.
"Yes… Every now and then." Yu answered honestly.
"That's not true... It's more than that." Rise voice was soft. "You probably had one last night. Didn't you?"
Yu turn away from everyone. "Let's go." With that he started back towards the safe zone they had all come from.
"So anyone gonna tell us what just happened?" Skull asked.
"I think it's better if we drop it for now Skull. This ain't the time." Queen advised carefully before she moved to follow Yu.
"I agree with Queen on this one. Hopefully we can sort this out at a later date." Noir told everyone before following after Queen.
The rest of group followed along quickly, to head out of Mementos. Joker was the last one, but as he turned to leave, something caught his eye. A sparkle against the backdrop of Mementos. Walking over to the spot the reaper had stood, something was left in its wake. A small pillar of black obsidian. As Joker picked it up, there was a weight to it that seemed powerful... Divine almost. Clearly it was something to hold onto. Joker slipped the object into his pocket before turning and following after everyone.